Jahanbakhsh spearheads IR Iran training squad

AFC – TEHRAN, Head coach Carlos Queiroz has revealed his 35-man preliminary squad as Islamic Republic of Iran gear up for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.

Dutch Eredivisie top scorer Alireza Jahanbakhsh heads the bill as Team Melli, Asia’s top ranked team, get set for playing in back-to-back FIFA World Cups for the first time in their history.

Steven Beitashour, who has not appeared for his country since Brazil 2014, earns the opportunity to make the final squad, while U-20 World Cup captain Omid Norafkan is also presented with the chance to prove himself, alongside uncapped Esteghlal teammate Majid Hosseini.

Sardar Azmoun’s inclusion also means the striker is set to face off against Spain in the Kazan Arena, where he plays his club football with Rubin Kazan. Iran will also face European champions Portugal and Morocco in Group B.